MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Binder Jetting 3D Printing of Biomass–Fungi Composite Materials: A Preliminary Experimental Study

Summary

Researchers developed a new 3D printing method called binder jetting to create eco-friendly materials made from agricultural waste and fungi. The fungi’s root-like structures naturally bind plant particles together, creating a biodegradable alternative to plastic. This method produces complex shapes with better precision than previous techniques and could revolutionize sustainable manufacturing for packaging and furniture.

Background

Biomass–fungi composite materials are biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-derived plastics, with potential applications in packaging, furniture, and construction industries. Traditional molding-based manufacturing methods for these materials are costly and geometrically limited. This study explores binder jetting 3D printing as an alternative manufacturing approach for biomass–fungi composites.

Objective

To demonstrate the feasibility of binder jetting 3D printing for biomass–fungi composite materials using hemp hurd powders of different particle sizes. The study aimed to assess fungal growth and hyphae binding within printed samples.

Results

Successful printing of samples with both particle sizes demonstrated the feasibility of binder jetting for biomass–fungi composites. SEM micrographs revealed significant presence of fungal hyphae inside the printed samples, confirming particle binding. Fungal growth was observed on both the inside and outside of the samples.

Conclusion

This is the first study to demonstrate binder jetting 3D printing of biomass–fungi composite materials. The approach shows promise with advantages including better dimensional accuracy and resolution compared to extrusion-based methods. Future research should investigate effects of various process parameters, biomass types, and fungi species on mechanical and material properties.
  • Published in:Biomimetics (Basel),
  • Study Type:Preliminary Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40710254, DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics10070441
Scroll to Top